UPDATE 3: Wounded police officer returns to Fond du Lac

Mar. 25, 2011

Wounded Officer Ryan Williams looks at the crowd of people gathered Friday afternoon at the Fond du Lac Police Department while being escorted home from Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. The Reporter photo by Justin Connaher

Written by

Russell Plummer rcplummer@fdlreporter.com

Officer Ryan Williams sported a grin and gave a strong wave to fellow officers five days after being shot twice with a high-powered rifle.

At about 2 p.m. Friday, a police escort of motorcycles and squad cars led a vehicle containing Williams through the Fond du Lac Police Department parking lot where a squad car dedicated to fallen officer Craig Birkholz and a mass of officers, citizens and city officials waited.

“Today is a good day!” exclaimed Police Chief Tony Barthuly as he met with on- and off-duty officers inside the Police Department building prior to Williams’ return.

Deputy Chief Kevin Lemke told The Reporter it was one of the first times smiles were abundant inside a department still reeling from the death of Birkholz.

James M. Cruckson, 30, fired shots from a high-powered weapon — described by police as a deer rifle — into Williams’ chest and shoulder after Williams entered a home at 24 S. Lincoln Ave. while investigating an alleged sexual assault.

Birkholz was shot in the parking lot of the D&D Tavern at 334 W. Division St. while responding to the call of an injured officer.

Officer Zach Schultz was able to pull Williams down a flight of stairs and outside of the home where Lt. Jason Laridaen continued the rescue.

Officers from the Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, North Fond du Lac Police Department, Fond du Lac Fire Department and beyond saluted Williams. As his vehicle pulled away, claps and cheers erupted from people who knew he was headed home to spend time with his two daughters — Mackenzie, 2, and Molly, 1.

“(Williams) was supposed to be in a coma until today,” Barthuly told media following the emotional arrival. “He’s come home. … I thank everybody for their prayers, thoughts and support.”

Capt. Steve Klein added, “(The return) is really lifting up the spirits of everyone at the Police Department. We look forward to seeing him back at work soon. Knowing Ryan, and the speed of his recovery, I think that is going to be sooner rather than later.”

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Klein said the Police Department is working on arrangements to get Williams to Kenosha for Birkholz’s funeral on Saturday.

Barthuly described the events Sunday on Lincoln Avenue as a “nightmare” for any officer or family member of an officer.

Williams’ return was a dream come true for the mourning Police Department.

“The dream is getting better and the dream is going to be positive,” Barthuly said.

Williams has been able to view events in Fond du Lac following the shooting via the Internet communication service Skype. Barthuly said Williams will be front and center for Birkholz’s funeral.

Williams originally was listed in critical condition after he was flown to the hospital by the Flight for Life medical helicopter Sunday morning with two chest wounds.

The move Thursday from the intensive care unit to a medical floor allowed Williams to see his two daughters for the first time in more than four days.

“He said that was the best medicine he has received so far,” Williams’ wife, Jenny, said Thursday during a press conference. “He was very happy to see them and they were very happy to see him.”

Klein said he saw the excitement on the faces of Williams’ children when they had the opportunity to see their dad, followed by confusion about why so many medical devices were attached to him.

“He still has a long road of recovery ahead of him,” Klein said. “He’s going to have a lot of rehabilitation. I just can’t tell you what it meant that he is going to be returning home.

“His fight and determination is one of those things helping other officers get through this tough time,” Klein added.

Williams’ love for running and triathlons even shined through during his recovery.

“In true Ryan form, even yesterday (Thursday) at the hospital when he started taking walks down the hall, he told me he was trying to beat his distance and time,” Klein said. “He’s a competitor and a fighter. He is inspiring a lot of officers.”